28 September 2011
Ukrainian state prosecutor Liliya Frolova called on the court for a seven-year prison term for former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko for her role in negotiating gas contracts with Russia in 2009 that the current government views as unfavorable for Ukraine. The trial Tymoshenko resumed yesterday after a two-week break and moved into the final judicial debate phase, Ukrainska Pravda reported yesterday. Judge Rodion Kireyev said no new evidence would be considered or witnesses heard in the case, despite petitions from the defense. After the debate phase, in which each side presents its case, Tymoshenko will be allowed to take the floor and then the judge will deliberate. Ukrainian officials have come under considerable international pressure to drop the case against Tymoshenko and allow her to compete in upcoming parliamentary elections in 2012. European Union officials have said the trial could adversely impact ratification of an Association Agreement with Ukraine, which both sides plan to sign in December. Newspaper Zerkalo Nedeli reported yesterday that President Viktor Yanukovych registered a bill in parliament that would decriminalize certain economic crimes. Last week Presidential Legal Advisor Andriy Portnov said the president planned to abolish imprisonment for economic crimes and said any individuals convicted prior to the law passing would be released.